South Africa controlled the third test at the SCG from the early stages, thanks to a strong first innings bowling performance and dominant innings from Jacques Kallis and Herschelle Gibbs. The Australian seamers failed to capitalise on a pitch which offered some assistance throughout, and only surprise packet Shane Watson had any success, with Ben Hilfenhaus particularly disappointing in his second test match.

Ricky Ponting won the toss and elected to bat, but his side was 5 down by lunch on the first day as Steyn, Ntini and Pollock all got among the wickets. It was only Gilchrist's second century of the series that ensured a decent total, as he blasted to 100 at more than a run a ball, well supported by Michael Clarke and debutant Cullen Bailey.

In reply, South Africa started well, but Australia pegged back the tourists through wickets to Shane Watson at the end of the first day and the start of the second. When Stuart Clark removed Prince for 8 just before lunch the game was still in the balance, but Kallis and Gibbs took control with a partnership of 196. Kallis was particularly strong, offering no chances in his 124. After the partnership was broken, Gibbs went on and brought up his own century and took the lead close to 200 before falling to Watson, as the all-rounder went on to pick up his first five wicket haul in tests. Mitchell Johnson also bowled well, taking out the tail cheaply, but South Africa still amassed 432.

186 runs behind, Australia needed a miraculous turnaround, but those hopes were quickly dashed on the third morning by Makhaya Ntini, who ripped out Ponting and Hussey in quick succession. Only Chris Rogers showed any form the second time around, surviving as wickets tumbled around him to bring up a debut century and ensure South Africa had to bat a second time. Ntini knocked over the tail to finish with 6/57, and the difference between the teams was highlighted as South Africa made light work of the 80 run chase, winning by 10 wickets.

Jaques wasn't dropped, he made 9 and 21. Rogers was brought in for Hayden, who was injured.

Ahh sorry, I missed that. I saw Rogers and assumed Jaques was out.

I assume Amla was dropped because he finally stayed at the crease for long enough for the selectors to realise his technique is awful and not suited to test cricket.
(Even though he actually scored a few..)

I assume Amla was dropped because he finally stayed at the crease for long enough for the selectors to realise his technique is awful and not suited to test cricket.
(Even though he actually scored a few..)

No idea why I left Amla out. Mistake, I guess. Nel was dropped on purpose, though.

Thrilled to see Australia finally overpowered. Hopefully the start of a keen trend.

Sreesanth said, "Next ball he was beaten and I said, 'is this the King Charles Lara? Who is this impostor, moving around nervously? I should have kept my mouth shut for the next ball - mind you, it was a length ball - Lara just pulled it over the church beyond the boundary! He is a true legend."